US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signaled new action against left-wing groups following the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, targeting the anti-fascist antifa movement as a “terrorist organization.”
Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, Trump said on Truth Social that he was “designating” the movement as a terrorist organization. “I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices,” Trump wrote.
It was not clear what legal weight Trump’s proclamation carried. Antifa is a loosely organized ideological movement without a clear leadership structure or hierarchy, experts said.
A day after Utah prosecutors unveiled formal charges against the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, no evidence has emerged connecting 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with any outside group. Questions also remain about his precise motives.
Trump and senior officials have repeatedly blamed left-wing groups for creating an atmosphere of hostility towards conservatives before Kirk’s assassination.